Washington State’s premium vinifera wine grapes are grown in the Columbia Valley in eastern Washington, a dry, warm region protected from Seattle’s rainy marine climate by the Cascade Mountains. This distinct growing region is known not only for high light intensity – the area enjoys more than 300 cloudless days a year – but also for its low rainfall, 6 – 8 inches annually. Summers are warm. Daytime temperatures average in the mid-80s with evening temperatures dropping by as much as 30 – 40 degrees in the fall. These cool nighttime conditions protect the grapes’ natural acidity and yield wines with great structure and balance. The net effect is a growing region found only in a handful of places around the world – perfect for producing high-quality wines of character and distinction. map